COVID-19 Update

Mayor Satya this morning issued a statement about local businesses with regards to COVID-19.  Restaurants in particular, but local independent retail in general, are taking a big hit. The Mayor is asking us to consider the following:

• Tip well. Tip more if you are able to do so. Service workers make much of their living on tips, and your generosity can help make up for fewer people ordering food or buying services.
• Buy gift cards. Purchasing gift cards and gift certificates for yourself and others is a great way to support local businesses now while frequenting them at a later date. Some businesses will sell gift cards over the phone or through their websites, allowing you to help from home.
• Seek virtual options. You can browse and order items from local businesses, including many retailers, online as an alternative to in-person shopping.
• Shop for friends, family and neighbors. When shopping, consider asking those who are vulnerable or less mobile if you can purchase anything for them. 
• Get delivery or takeout. Call restaurants directly or use an online order and delivery service.

I've recevied a couple of emails asking that designated hours be set up for the elderly to shop at local grocery stores. I'm not sure what independent grocery stores will do, but it may not be safe for at-risk residents to shop all at the same time.

What we can do is shop for each other and arrange for delivery for the elderly. Local neighborhoods are forming teams across the city to look out for each other.  Some neighborhoods already have team captains set up as part of their neighborhood associations. These can be adjusted to take on a neighborhood watch. 

Neighborhood watch has the connotation of public safety and crime prevention. While that's important, what I'm suggesting here is a neighborhood watch that tasks itself with making sure everyone has the food, medicines and basic supplies they need to survive this crisis. 

Some of this is happening informally. I'm suggesting we organize this all across District 13. Stay tuned for more information.

Meanwhile, in recognition that many are working from home, Parking Enforcement has decided to temporarily suspend all on-street meter enforcement, time restricted (1&2 hour) parking, and Residential Permit Only areas. PE will continue to enforce all other parking restrictions until further notice. The weekly Clean Streets Clean Lakes (CSCL) restrictions are still in place and will be enforced for the remainder of this week and possibly next week. Streets is working on their initial round of sweeping to clean up all the debris left from over the winter, and they use this 4 hour window for garbage collection days. PE will review this at the end of the week to determine if any changes will be made to the following weeks.

Stay well. Be Safe. Look out for each other.

Tag